The Mysteries of Sri Jagannath Temple

We live in a Scientific Age where we try to justify everything based solely on science. But we must remember that the world is full of mysteries and miracles which are beyond our understanding and that science shall never be able to justify. So sometimes it is always better to suspend our learnings and pre-conceived notions, accept an alternate reality, and enjoy the divine bliss.

Sri Jagannath Puri temple (one of the Char Dhams) is an enigma in itself. It is mysterious..!! It is intriguing !! Hence attracts historians, scientists, and common flock from all over the world. Scientists and historians have put up enormous efforts to unravel and justify the temple’s unbelievable phenomenon for years but with little success. It is interesting to note that Odia people accept miracles as “Kalia Ra Leela” or “The wonders of Bhagwan Jagannath” and never look for explanations and logic behind its mysteries.

In this article, we shall try to unravel some interesting mysteries of Bhagwan Jagannath:

Jagannath Temple casts no shadow

Well, it is a fact that everything casts a shadow at some time during the day when sunlight falls on it. But the fact is that the main dome of the Jagannath temple casts no shadow in any of the directions during any hour of the day. Historians credit the incredible architectural design behind this phenomenon, others claim it to have a divine force.

No-Fly Zone

It still remains a mystery why no flying object is seen passing from the top of the temple. Well, it is normal to see birds especially pigeons in and around the tall shikharas of temples. But be it birds or airplanes, none is seen here. Amongst many explanations, there is one religious explanation that refers to the unknown composition of Neelchakra which keeps the objects away from it. Another religious perspective says that the carrier of Bhagwan Jagannath is a Garuda (a huge Eagle) which is believed to be the "King of Avians", resides in the temple, hence the birds don’t dare to come near the Shikhara. Scientists have tried to prove it through the theory of “Vortex Street” which talks about the sudden change of direction of blowing wind, making it difficult for birds to fly due to high resistance and hence they cant fly above the height of the temple.

Interestingly Puri is not included in air traffic control areas by DGCA. This can be seen as an obvious reason why planes are not seen but it is also true that Neelchakra blocks communication signals, making it impossible for aircraft to fly in that area.

Not even a grain of Mahaprasad gets wasted

Irrespective of the number of footfalls of lakhs of devotees in the temple, the quantity of Mahaprasad remains the same, neither the food is wasted nor remains insufficient. Daily footfalls come to an average of 2000- 200000. It is believed that this holy food is prepared in the presence or supervision of Devi Laxmi. The food is cooked in 7 earthen, each placed on top of the other, but mysteriously the pot on the top gets cooked first. Another interesting secret is that after the food is prepared, it is devoid of any smell. Only when it is offered to Bhagwan and blessed with the trinity and taken to Anand Bazaar for sale to devotees, it smells divine. In Hinduism wasting food is not considered a good sign. Miraculously the food always suffices based on the number of devotees. You may call it Jagannath’s will or effective management..!!

The Flag Mystery

Science explains that the momentum of wind pushes the object in the same direction. But strangely the holy flag on the top of the shikhara, called Patitapabana, flies in the opposite direction of the wind, defying nature’s code of conduct. Call in an engineering marvel or celestial bliss..!! The 1800 old tradition of changing the flag every day atop Shikhara of this 45 storey building is a sight to watch. With no protective gears and with bare hands, a priest climbs on top of the temple effortlessly and with so much flexibility which can put any professional climber in shame. It is believed that in case this ritual is missed, the temple shall remain closed for 18 years.

The Heart of Krishna

It is believed When Bhagwan Krishna left this world, he was cremated and his whole body was dissolved in Panchbhutas (five elements) but his heart was beating actively. His heart is still preserved till today in the form of Lord Jagannath (Jagannath or Shri Krishna is also called the Lord of Kaliyuga), which resides in the wooden idol like a normal living man inside the wooden idol. and beats in the same way, Very few people know this. When the idol is changed every 12 years, the entire city of Puri is blacked out and CRPF is alerted surrounding the temple. No one can enter the temple. Only in darkness and with the priests eyes bandaged and with gloves in his hands, this “Brahma Substance, the heart” is transferred in the new idol. For thousands of years, the ritual continues but no one has seen and knows anything about the substance. Some say when taken on hand it jumps like a rabbit.

The Singhdwara

While entering the Lion’s Gate, also called “Singhdwara” from inside the Jagannath Mandir, there is no audible sound of sea waves. However, as you enter the temple from outside, you will be able to hear the sounds of the ocean. Hence while you take a step out of the temple, the sound of the ocean will be heard.

The Sudarshan Chakra Riddle

The Sudarshan Chaka is made of metal, weighing approx a tonne. It is amazing to note how could such a heavy metal be taken on top without any machinery and automation. And it is designed in such a way that irrespective of any direction you look at Sudharshan Chakra, it shall be facing you with the same appearance. What an architectural excellence..!!

So Jagannath Temple is indeed a “Wonder of the World.” Visiting it is a divine experience in itself. It is a place where science meets spirituality and mysticism. Well, Hinduism and Science go together where understanding Science is seen as the path of salvation. So call it science, magic, divinity…..Depends on your perspective and faith..!!

JAI JAGANNATH..!!

(This article was published in Sanatan Tattva Magazine June-July 2021 issue)